Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1887-01-06
HORSEBACK RIDING.
An Exercise That is Growing in Popularity
Where the Best Horses Come From.
Providence Journal.


Where the Best Horses Come From
Providence Journal.
Upward of two centuries ago the most
noted horseman in Great Britain was the
duke of Newcastle, and the pleasant
things that he wrote about the expertness
of Workmanship were long remembered
and have passed into history. The duke
laid stress upon the genteelness of horse
back-riding. He wrote that "a good seat
is of such great Importance that the reg
ular movement of the horse entirely de-
ponds upon 1T, which is preferable to any
other assistance; therefore, let it not be
despised. Moreover, l venture to affirm
that he who does not sit genteely upon a
horse will never be good horseman.' -
This seems just as true to-day as it was
when the duke of Newcastle wrote the
lines, and to sit genteely and gracefully
is the essential thing in good horseback
riding. 1t is a good thing to ride well,
but 1t is everything to sit we'll. Some
authorities on horseback riding have
averred that perfect rider has to be
adapted by nature, by peculiar confor-
nation Of limb. The supple limbs of
youth, however, easily adapt themselves
to the peculiarities of horseback riding.
1t is this suppleness Of limb and the art
of balancing ones self, which is readily
gained In youth, that constitutes the basis
of a good seat.
But it is not the fortune of every per-
son who aspires to become good horse
back-rider to have the advantages in
youth that he might wish, and his desire
to become a finished rider is aban-
doned. But the way to overcome all
these omissions is to continually practice,
and the instruction and advice of the
riding master will be certain to overcome
the difference of beginner in earlier
life. Thus to sit horse equally well
throughout his PAGES, so govern firmly
yet gently his impatient movements.
managing him at speed with a firm vet
light hand, steadily yet gracefully to keep
the seat and to have the animal entirely
at command, to unite courage to gentle
ness, vyIng In temper with his horse In
splrit--these are the essential qualities of
good horseman. Training in the riding
school will make good riders out of doors,
and it is an excellent plan to have the ex-
erclse grow in fOvor hereabUuts, and this
is exercise of sort that will be sure to
bring health to overtaxed business men
and glow to the cheeks of women and
fullness to their forms. The real enjoy
ment of horseback riding is depended up
on the horse that is ridden. What consti-
tutes good saddle-horse has been pretty
well settled by experience, and the many
qualities have been set forth time and
again.
A gentleman who has ridden horse
for years past, and who in that time has
owned about every kind af a saddle ami
NAL, and has enjoyed the sport in fore
ign chimes, says that riding school is
greater and more important institu-
ton to city tran many others which re-
celve fully more patronage. He is con-
WINGED that Americans take naturally 70
the saddle, and in generally good riding
are apt to prove good pupils. 1t is
thought to be especially the case with
ladies IN this country. The American
women have better seat and they ride
more gracefully than the English, and
one may see large number of graceful
and accomplished riders about our large
American cities than can be seen in Eu-
rope. The gentlemen said that pupils
to be made the best and most expert J
riders should rise in the trot. It is easier
and looks better, and saves the continued
pounding of the rider on the horse. The
rope, although the French are excellent
in tho saddle. 1t is thought that the
present popularity is not q passing fash
ion, but that horseback riding has come
to stay, and that it will grow and develop
with the cities that have established and
well conducted riding schools. The gen
tlemep, reverting to the question of good
saddle-horses, thought that there was a
good deal of error in choosing a Kentucky
horse as the best animal for the use of
either lady or gentleman. AS rule the
Kentucky horses are too well bred and
like the Kentukian's idea of them, they
are suitable for nothing else. They are |
very pretty as rule, however. But the |
Virginia horses are the ideal animals in |
my mind for good riders. The Kentucky |
breed needs some new blood to improve
in, and, to demonstrate this, experience
has shown that race of horses or race
of men requires new blood to prevent its
The Kentuckian idea of |
the gait of horse is mistaken one. A |
horses natural gait is a trot. In no |
other than this would pacing horse be
endured.
4 good horseback rider would not take |
certain Kentucky horses as a gift, but the
attention paid to securing good saddle |
horses in the northern states in recent |
years has provided good number to
meet the market demand. In fashion
able riding circles in the metropolis
there is a great demand for Trakehue
horses. They come from eastern Prussia,
and the breed was originally cross be-
tween the English thoroughbred and the
Arabian horse"